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Orlando Magic: 2018-19 NBA season preview

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

2018-19 roster

Key additions: Mohamed Bamba (draft), Timofey Mozgov (trade), Jerian Grant (trade), Jarell Martin (trade), Melvin Frazier (draft), Isaiah Briscoe (free agency)

Key subtractions: Bismack Biyombo (trade), Shelvin Mack (waived), Mario Hezonja (free agency), Arron Afflalo (unsigned), Marreese Speights (free agency), Rodney Purvis (free agency)

It says a lot about the offseason the Magic had that their best free agency/trade signing was Jerian Grant. The point guard coming over from the Chicago Bulls in the three-team deal that shed them of Bismack Biyombo’s $17 million a year deal.

Orlando did also acquire center Timofey Mozgov from the Hornets in the same trade, but the expectation is that he will see little time on the floor. Really though this summer showed us that they believe in their young core of Bamba, Isaac and Gordon, and want to let them grow.

This will be the season then that they are put on the court to show what they can do together, make mistakes and grow. There isn’t a ton of help around them, and anybody who can (Terrence Ross, Evan Fournier, Jonathon Simmons) were already in Orlando last season.

So while the roster moves are small, there is still one card that Orlando can play before the trade deadline. Center Nikola Vucevic is in the final year of his deal and can play as a sixth man type, such is his offensive skill-set.

It would not be surprising if another team on the playoff bubble took a flier on Vucevic as a postseason rental, giving up some combination of young players and second round picks in the process.

Grant too could have a breakout season and be the starter by year’s end. D.J. Augustin figures to start on opening night but he works best as a veteran backup for Orlando’s second unit.

An uninspiring offseason of moves then, but it is all about the growth of Bamba anyway. The Magic front office got their man, and are building a starting unit with scary length and versatility. In that sense drafting Bamba was a win, and the best part of the summer.

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